Zambia: Elephants Go On Rampage in Ngabwe

Author(s)

By Kasonde Kasonde, Times of Zambia

Date Published
STRAY elephants are terrorising residents and livestock in Ngabwe District of Central Province after escaping from the Kafue National Park.
 
Ngabwe District Commissioner Melody Phiri said the elephants were spotted last month and were still at large.
 
Ms Phiri said she received a report from Chief Mukubwe over the matter and had informed the Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA).
 
This came to light when United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator Janet Rogan and Central Province Permanent Secretary Edwidge Mutale paid a courtesy call on Chief Mukubwe on Friday.
 
Mr Zwaoh said the elephants are not only spotted in people’s fields but were also seen in the villages.
 
“People are now living in fear as the three elephants are now spotted outside their houses, a development which has caused panic in the area,” Mr Zwaoh said.
 
Mr Zwaoh said people in the area are not safe as the elephants could cause damage to their property.
 
He said farmers and traders are scared of leaving their houses for fear of being attacked by the elephants.
 
The permanent secretary has appealed to the Zambia Wildlife Authority to move to the area and help capture the elephants.
 
Ms Mutale has since advised people to stay indoors and avoid staying out in the night until the elephants were captured.